The human death toll is mounting from a bacteria that lives in salty Florida waters.
56 year old Richard Corley is the 12th person to die this year of Vibro Vulnificus.
He contracted the bug through an open cut on his leg as he fished in knee deep water in Estero Bay near Fort Myers.
How to Avoid the Virus
- Do not eat raw oysters or other raw shellfish.
Wear protective clothing (e.g., gloves) when handling raw shellfish.
Cook shellfish (oysters, clams, mussels) thoroughly.
Eat shellfish promptly after cooking and refrigerate leftovers.
Avoid exposure of open wounds or broken skin to warm salt or brackish water, or to raw shellfish harvested from such waters.
Individuals who are immuno-compromised should wear proper foot protection to prevent cuts and injury caused by rocks and shells on the beach.
